miércoles, 10 de junio de 2020

The snowy Salkantay: complete information - SALKANTAY TREK TO MACHU PICCHU

What does Salkantay mean?
The Salkantay is a snowy mountain whose name translated from Quechua would mean ‘Wild Mountain’. This summit is known as ‘Apu’ (‘Lord’) for its majesty and elevation.
Where is it located?
The pu Apu ’Salkantay is located in the Vilcanota Mountain Range in the Andes of southern Peru. This snow-capped mountain is the second largest in Cusco, after Ausangate (Mountain of the 7 Colors).
How high is the snowy Salkantay?
The snowy Salkantay reaches 6,271 meters above sea level (m.s.n.m.). The trek route that leads to Machu Picchu has its highest point in the ‘Abra Salcantay’, at 4,650 m.a.s.l. From there you can see the peak of the snow-capped mountain.
How's the weather?
The snowy in itself presents an extremely cold climate (several degrees Celsius below 0º).
The climate during the Salkantay trek, on the other hand, is varied. The intense sun and the nightly cold in the early days are changed by the tropical environment in the latter.
What is the flora and fauna like?
The 5 days and 4 nights of the Salkantay trek cover landscapes with a great variety of flora and fauna. Among the species of flowers and plants, the orchid and the ichu (Andean grass) stand out. Among the species of birds and animals, it is worth mentioning the llama, alpaca, vizcacha, condor, spectacled bear and the cock of the rock (national bird of Peru)

SALKANTAY TREK ROUTES TO MACHU PICCHU

SALKANTAY TREK TO MACHU PICCHU 4 DAYS



DAY 1: CUSCO - MOLLEPATA - SORAYPAMPA - CHAULLAY
This day we leave Cusco early (about 4am) and drive for approximately 3 ½ hrs to Soraypampa where we will start the hardest day of the whole Salkantay trek 4 days 3 nights. We will be walking 7.5km to the highest point of the trek, enjoying magnificent panoramas of snow-capped mountains on the way. Once we reach the top we will have spectacular views of the sacred mountain, Salkantay. At 6245 metres it is the second highest mountain in the Cusco region. After 2 hours downhill we will have our delicious lunch around 1:00 p.m. in Huayracmachay. Then we continue approximately 3 hours downhill to our camp in Chaullay or Collpapampa (2900 metres) where your tent will be ready and waiting for you with a bowl of hot water for washing up. Then there is time to rest, nap or write. Around 7 p.m. we will have happy hour, dinner. Then we’re off to bed and a well-earned sleep.
DAY 2: CHAULLAY - LUCMABAMBA
Around 6.30am, we start with our breakfast before beginning our trek through the high jungle. We cross the Lluskamayo valley and a variety of little brooks to reach La Playa (Sahuayaco) trekking about 6 hours. You will pass through wonderful landscapes and see waterfalls, rivers, beautiful plants and orchids. At La playa (Sahuayaco) we’ll have our lunch and the horses will go back to Mollepata. After lunch and another 30 minutes uphill you will reach our campsite at Lucmabamba. The afternoon is free for you to enjoy our coffee tour or, as an optional extra, take a local van to Santa Teresa to soak in the natural hot spring optional extra. At the end of the day we have our happy hour, dinner and then a briefing for the next day.
DAY 3: LUCMABAMBA - AGUAS CALIENTES
We will have our delicious breakfast at 6 am and leave our campsite. After about 5 minutes you will step onto the original Inka Trail, and for the next 3 hours you will follow this historic trail to the summit for your first view of Machu Picchu across the valley. Then we will descend to our lunch spot by the Hydrolectric Station. After lunch we will walk 3 more hours or take a train for 45 minutes to Aguas Calientes where your beautiful hotel and dinner will be waiting for you.
DAY 4: AGUAS CALIENTES - MACHU PICCHU!!!
Early morning, after the breakfast at the Hotel, you will go up by walking or you can take the bus to Machu Picchu where you meet with our Tour Guide for a private introductory tour of the Citadel. For the next 2 hours you will learn of the history, the structure and the stories of this important World Wonder. Then you will have free time to take pictures, relax and explore Machu Picchu by yourself. If you have reserved a climb up Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain, our Tour Guide show you where you start.
After exploring Machu Picchu, you will walk or take a bus down to Aguas Calientes. There you will collect your luggage at the Hotel and board the train to Ollantaytambo. When you arrive at Ollantaytambo, you will transfer to a van for a ride back to Cusco by van where you will be dropped off at your hotel or hostel.

SALKANTAY TREK TO MACHU PICCHU 5 DAYS



DAY 1: CUSCO - MOLLEPATA - SORAYPAMPA
We will pick you up from your hotel in Cusco shortly after 4 a.m. to go by private van to Mollepata. This is a spectacular scenic drive through the Anta plains with beautiful and panoramic views across a vast plateau of the majestic Salkantay and other mountains covered with snow. Then marvel at the spectacular winding descent into the Valley of Apurimac River. After 2½ hours we stop in Mollepata to have breakfast and shop for last minute supplies. There will be time for leg-stretching or to use the bathrooms, before continuing to Marcocasa. There we will meet with our support staff. They will load the equipment on horses and mules. Around 8:30 a.m. we will start our trek toward Soraypampa (3900 meters above sea level) if we keep a regular pace we will take 4 hours approximately to reach Soraypampa for lunch at our first campsite. After lunch in the afternoon we have an option to go up to see Umantay Lake a glacial lake below the peak of Salkantay at (4200meters above sea level). This side tour takes 3 hours to hike back and forth from the camp. Alternatively, if we are moving at a slow pace; we will have lunch at halfway between Soraypampa and Marco Casa on our way to Soraypampa. Either way our camp will be at Soraypampa. Sleeping tents will be ready and we will have a warm delicious dinner in the evening.
DAY 2: SORAYPAMPA - SALKANTAY PASS - HUAYRAMACHAY – CHAULLAY
In the morning we will wake you up with the coca tea at 5:30 a.m. and we will have a nutritious breakfast around 6 a.m. Today we will start the hardest day of the whole Salkantay trek. We will be walking up to the highest point of the trek. After 7 kilometers uphill through the magnificent landscape of rocky mountains, valleys and flood plain and changing views of Mount Salkantay above us. At the top of the trek we will have spectacular views of the mountains and the imposing snowy peaks of Salkantay (6245) meters above sea level, the second highest mountain of the Cusco region. Then we go 2 hours downhill around 1:00 p.m. to where we will have our delicious Peruvian lunch, in the area called Huayracmachay. Afterward we continue our hike approximately 3 hours downhill to our camp in Chaullay (2900 meters above sea level) or Colcapampa (3000 meters above sea level). The sleeping tents and warm wash water will be ready and waiting for you. Then after a well-earned hot meal we will retire to our tents for a well-deserved sleep.
DAY 3: CHAULLAY - COLLPAPAMPA - LA PLAYA - LUCMABAMBA
Around 6.30am, we start trekking through the high jungle crossing the Lluskamayo valley with its rich variety of flora and fauna to reach La Playa (Sahuayaco) after about 6 hours. We will pass through valleys and have wonderful views of waterfalls, tropical fruits and plants. You will taste the famous passion fruit or granadilla. We will have lunch when we arrive at La Playa. After lunch our horses will go back to Mollepata while we go on to Lucmabamba Campsite where we will spend the night. Here you can choose to go on our coffee tour or opt for a bus drive to Santa Teresa to enjoy the natural hotspring it is famous for. (Bus fares and entrance fees to the natural hot spring is not included in this tour), (coffee tour Is included).
DAY 4: SANTA TERESA - HIDROELECTRYC - AGUAS CALIENTES
We will have our delicious breakfast at 6 a.m. Then we will walk for about 3 hours up to Llactapata and along the original Inka Trail to Llactapata. From this beautiful archeological site we will be able to see part of Machu Picchu and into the amazing Urubamba valley. Afterwards we have another 3 hours down hill until we arrive to the hydrolectric where we are going to have lunch. Then we will walk for 3 more hours or take a 45 minute train ride to Aguas Calientes to your hotel. After you have settled in we will get together for dinner and a briefing on how to get the most out of your visit to Machu Picchu tomorrow.
DAY 5: AGUAS CALIENTES - MACHU PICCHU - OLLANTAYTAMBO - CUSCO
After an early breakfast at the hotel you will walk 1 hour 30 minutes or take bus up to Machu Picchu, so we can be the first ones into Machu Picchu to enjoy the sunrise. You will have a private 2 hour guided tour followed by free time in which you will be able to go on to explore Machu Picchu by yourself. If you have booked the Huayna Picchu in advance climb or the walk up Machu Picchu mountain this is the time for you to set off.
Afterward Machu Picchu you will go back down to Aguas Calientes town to catch the train to Ollantaytambo. There our private van will meet you and take you back to Cusco and drop you off at your hotel or hostel.

lunes, 8 de junio de 2020

INFORMACION OF INCA TRAIL TO MACHU PICCHU - CUSCO - PERU

La red de caminos incas – Qhapaq Ñan

La impresionante red de caminos de los incas tuvo una longitud inicial de 60,000 km y unió territorios de las actuales naciones de Colombia, Ecuador, Perú, Bolivia, Chile y Argentina. 39,000 kilómetros sobreviven al día de hoy. El camino inca a Machu Picchu es una de las mejores obras de ingeniería, hecha completamente a mano, sin saber de la existencia de la rueda o el hierro. Irónicamente, es posible que también acelerara el proceso de invasión; los españoles pudieron llegar a todos los rincones del imperio.
Los incas sabían una o dos cosas acerca del agua
Machu Picchu es la asombrosa ciudad inca de Machu Picchu que es visitada por alrededor de 3,000 personas por día, está construida en medio de dos montañas y es uno de los lugares más energéticos del planeta, pero hay algo que la mayoría de personas no sabe; la maravilla no termina con construcciones como el templo del sol o el templo del Cóndor, la maravilla continúa debajo. Machu Picchu fue construida sobre complejos sistemas de canales, drenaje e irrigación subterránea, impidiendo que las intensas lluvias de ceja de selva amazónica dañen sus más de 150 estructuras, sus terrazas agrícolas en las laderas de la montaña, o la red de caminos que llegaban a ella.

INCA TRAIL SHORT 2 DAYS



DAY 01: CUSCO - KM 104 - WIÑAY WAYNA - AGUAS CALIENTES.
Early in the morning at 4 am we will pick up all passengers from their hotels. We will go to Ollantaytambo, where we take the train to 104km (1 hour 20 minutes). When we arrive at 104km we will start the trek, climbing around 3 hours and half to Wiñayhuayna. As we ascend you will be able to take pictures of beautiful landscapes y views into the sacred Wilkanota River. In the archeological site of Wiñaywayna your tour guide will explain about function of this place. After enjoying a delicious box lunch we will continue along the classic Inka Trail to arrive at the Sun Gate(Inti Punku). From this place we will have very beautiful and unforgettable views of Machu Picchu Citadel.
Then after enjoying the views. We go down the Trail around 1 hour to Machu Picchu and enjoy the next part of the tour.
From Machu Picchu to Aguas Calientes village we take the bus (30 min.) and you will be taken the Hotel. In the evening you will have a delicious dinner with the tour guide, who will explain you about the second day.
DURING THE TREK:
  • Meals: lunch, dinner.
  • Accommodations: Aguas Calientes Hotel.
  • Maximum Altitude: 2850 metres
  • Minimum Altitude: 2200 metres.
  • Temperature during day: 17ºC - 25ºC
  • Temperature during night: 13ºC – 14ºC
Day 2: AGUAS CALIENTES - MACHU PICHU - CUSCO
In the morning after breakfast at the Hotel, we will go up to Machu Picchu by bus. In Machu Picchu you will have 2 hours private introductory tour. In this time you will learn about types of amazing constructions, the engineering and the terraces, the most important places in Machu Picchu Archaeological site and how they were used.
Afterward you will have free time to explore Machu Picchu, take pictures and explore more by yourself. If you booked climb to Huaynapicchu or Machu Picchu mountain, you will enjoy a dramatically different view of Machu Picchu Citadel.
When you finish your visit you’ll return to Aguas Calientes by bus. In the village there are a lots to discover. Shops, crafts, Art. Enjoy the hot springs, buy memories, try new foods.
Later we will take the train from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo. (1 ¾ hours.) When you arrive at Ollantaytambo you will meet with our driver to come back by car to your hotel in Cusco (1 ½ hours.)
DURING THE TREK:
  • Meals: Breakfast.
  • Maximum Altitude: 2850 metres.
  • Minimum Altitude: 2200 metres.
  • Temperature during day: 17ºC - 25ºC
  • Temperature during night: 13ºC – 14ºC

INCA TRAIL 4 DAYS 



DAY 01: CUSCO - WAYLLABAMBA
We will start the day by collecting you from your hotel for the 1½ hour drive to Ollantaytambo where we will stop for approximately 30 minutes in a local restaurant. You can use toilets, buy water, snacks, chocolates and get the last things you may have forgotten to buy in Cusco. To reach the trail head we drive one more hour after Ollantaytambo to km 82. Before starting our trek we will organize our backpacks and make sure we have all that we need for the first day trek. After crossing the Urubamba River, we walk 3 hours through farmland along the Urubamba river until our first stop and lunch near the first archeological site called Llactapata. After a delicious meal prepared by our chef and porters, we will continue for another 3 hours to reach our campsite in Wayllabamba where we will have dinner and then relax in preparation for the next day.
DAY 02: WAYLLABAMBA - PACAYMAYOEarly morning we have to wake-up call, 5:00 a.m. or 5:30 a.m. depending of your tour guide. Warm wash water and a high energy breakfast will be waiting for you. Also you will have some time to refill your water bottle and be given some snacks for the day to help you get over the pass. Wayllabamba campsite to Warmiwañusca (Dead Woman Pass) is an uphill climb of approx. 7 km. This is considered the hardest part of the Trail. However the changes in the vegetation and landscape as you climb through different climatic zones will keep you involved with the hike and focussed on discovering more as you climb.
At the top of the pass you will be greeted with panoramic views to distant mountains. Looking back into the valley you have just climbed out of, congratulate yourself for your accomplishment. Looking ahead you will see your way on toward Machu Picchu.
After the Pass we have approximately 3 km going downhill to reach Pacaymayo campsite. Our team will be waiting for you there with food warm wash water and with your tent already set up. For the rest of the afternoon you will be able to rest and enjoy before happy hour and dinner at the end of the day.
DAY 03: PACAYMAYO - WIÑAYWAYNA
We begin this new day with breakfast. Then, after a short climb you will reach a remarkable Inka lookout called Runcurakay. Your tour guide will describe the importance of this place. Then after 1½ hours more to reach the second pass you’ll be able to enjoy the view from the second highest spot on the trail. There are 1½ hours of stairs down to a dramatic Inka site, Sayacmarca perched high on the ridge. Learn what is known of this place take pictures and learn of the historical background from your guide .
Lunch will be near to our next archeological site Puyupatamarca, a spectacular tumble of buildings where you will have a view of all the mountains around Machu Picchu far below. Then we start our descent, going into rainforest with a beautiful cover of vegetation with orchids, bromeliads, ferns and many other native plants. Also if we are lucky we can see and hear some of the hundreds of birds in the area.
Our three hours down hill to Wiñayhuayna will be our last challenge before we finish the day and enjoy tea time, a delicious dinner, take a nap and prepare for the next best day: Machu Picchu.
DAY 04: WIÑAYWAYNA - MACHU PICCHU
Last day, we wake up early and commence the walk to Machu Picchu (2 hours.) We will mark our arrival when we pass through the Sun Gate (Inti Punku) From this spot, if weather is good, you will have an unforgettable panoramic views of Machu Picchu. After just one more hour downhill you will enter the iconic Inka Citadel. Your tour guide will take you inside Machu Picchu with his knowledge, telling you all about this majestic city for around 2 hours. After this tour, you will have free time to take pictures, feel energies and discover more of Machu Picchu by yourself. Also if you registered to hike up Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain this is the time you will do that.
Once you feel you are complete in the Citadel, it will be time to go down to Aguas Calientes. You will take the bus for 25 minutes. In Aguas Calientes you can enjoy your last lunch with the group. Then decide to relax in the hot springs (10 soles) or explore the shops and craft stalls in the Village.
Later in the afternoon you will catch the train to Ollantaytambo (1 hour 50 minutes). In Ollantaytambo you need to get out of the train station and transfer to a bus where the driver will be waiting to take you from Ollantaytambo to Cusco (1½ hours.)

domingo, 7 de junio de 2020

INFORMATION OF HUMANTAY LAKE

WHAT IS THE HUMANTAY LAGOON?
Cusco without a doubt does not cease to surprise us since it contains the most curious and unusual landscapes, sometimes we can even say almost interplanetary landscapes such as the mountain of colors, place that you can know about them here, which is the Rainbow Mountain

The humantay lagoon is formed as a thaw product of a large snow-capped mountain that in turn is part of a mountain range called the vilcabamba mountain range.
What makes the humantay lagoon characteristic is the natural color that it possesses, since it does not have much marine flora in its waters, it has an indescribable color in words, but understandable to the eyes, forming a unique landscape when travelers seek to capture the ideal moment with its cameras that want so much to capture landscapes experiences and moments all this and more make it an ideal place that you must visit if you travel to Cusco Peru.
However, the geographical environment of this lagoon is also unique since it serves as the first camp on the Salkantay tour.
HOW TO GET TO THE HUMANTAY LAKE

Very early in the morning we will embark on a trip of 2 and a half hours from the city of Cusco to the town of Mollepata, this time is enough to enjoy the Andean landscape and the warm valleys that bring so much harmony with it. In this town we will be able to enjoy breakfast, since you will once again board the bus to travel to the Soraypampa community.
Soraypampa is the town from which we will start in the direction of the humantay lagoon, the only thing to do is follow a one-way road, it should be said that there is no concern about getting lost since the end of this road is the Humantay lagoon.
The Humantay lagoon witnessed various events carried out by its own visitors, such as requests for hands, payments to the land, ceremonies with Andean teachers, coin tossing to conceive a wish, and romantic postcards that are easily virilized on social networks thanks to the unique landscape of this place.
For the return to Cusco we will take the same route there, but not before enjoying a lunch with Novo Andean food as well as the organic products of the area.

domingo, 31 de mayo de 2020

TOURS TO MACHU PICCHU - CUSCO - PERU

MACHU PICCHU TOUR FULL DAY

Cusco – Ollantaytambo – Machu Picchu
We will pick up you in the early morning from your hotel and then transfered to the train station in Ollantaytambo, you will take the train to Aguas Calientes, enjoy the train, the landscapes. Then we will arrive to Aguas Calientes, where a representative from our agency will welcome you and then will escort you to the local bus station to catch the bus that goes up to Machu Picchu.



Bus ride to Machu Picchu lasts approx. 30 minutes and it follows a steep winding path, offering spectacular views of the surrounding mountains. Upon our arrival, we will get into the archaeological zone of Machu Picchu and our guide will show us the most important sectors of this great Inka City, such as the great Intiwatana, The Sun Temple, the urban sector, the agricultural sector among others. Machu Picchu was long thought to be legendary.
The guided tour in Machu Picchu will last about 2 hours, and afterwards you will have free time to explore the ruins on your own.
If you want to climb Huayna Picchu, a very popular climb with spectacular views, we recommend you to book preferably three months beforehand. (There is daily limit of 400 persons per day allowed to climb, so pre-book if you don’t want to miss out. Cost: $25) The round trip walking to the peak of Huayna Picchu is about an hour and a half. It is definitely worth it for the stunning views from the top! As an alternative to the Huayna Picchu climb you can choose to visit Machu Picchu mountain which gives the ancient Inka townsite its name. This is a new option that lets you see Machu Picchu archeological site from the highest peak. It is less crowded so you don’t have to book early. Cost: $25)
After visit this wonder. Depend of your time train tickets, you will take the bus down to Aguas Calientes, where you will have time for lunch and also to explore this colorful town that utterly filled with souvenirs shops, restaurants, bars, internet cafes etc.
In the night, you will take the train from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo. According the time in your train tickets, return to Ollantaytambo, in Ollantaytambo the transfer is going to pick up you at the bus to return to Cusco.

MACHU PICCHU TOUR 2 DAYS

DAY 1: CUSCO – OLLANTAYTAMBO – AGUAS CALIENTES
We will start our Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu tour  with pick you up in your hotel at approximately 8:00 am after picking up additional passengers in your group, you will begin the 40 minute drive to Pisac in the Sacred Valley. On the way we will stop a couple times in order to see the beautiful landscapes and local Marquet Corao or Pisaq .
After we will continue to visit Urubamba and enjoy food there. (optional you can book your lunch with us day before departure) .
then we will go to Ollantaytambo and enjot the amazing templo of sun and the archeological site . In this place we will finish the tour approximately 4:30 p.m. then we need go to the train station because our train will leave at 16:36 pm or 7:00 p.m. (depent on availability - time will be confirm by e-mail) to Aguas Calientes you will go to the train station to board the train (Please you have to be 20 minutes before in the train station). This is a 2 hours approx. Journey to Aguas Calientes, where we will be waiting and settle you into the Hotel. Overnight in Aguas Calientes.  
Places we will visit in our Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu tour  on the 1first day:
  • Pisac Market
  • Corao view Point of Sacred valley
  • Pisac Archaeological Site
  • Urubamba ( Buffet lunch) Tunupa Restaurant . 25 USD.
  • Ollantaytambo Archaeological Site  
DAY 1: CUSCO – OLLANTAYTAMBO – AGUAS CALIENTES
In the Morning, we will have breakfast in the hotel,(optional you can take with you breakfast if for any reson you leave the hotel before 5:00 am) then you will take the bus up from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu, it takes 30 minutes drive up to the main gate to visit Machu Picchu.


When you arrive to Machu Picchu, you will meet with our Tour English or Spanish Guide and enjoy  the explanation for 2 hours approx. group tour exploring Machu Picchu.
After finish your journey  with the professional Tour Guide, you will have more time to spend in Machupicchu. Also if you booked a climb up Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain you will have enough time to walk and have a different views of Machu Picchu Citadel.
All passanger after the guided tour will have the chance to explore Machu Picchu sitadel by their self.
In the afternoon you will have to go down to Aguas Caliente (return by bus or walking) to Aguas Calientes.
In the night, you will take the train from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo. According the time in your train tickets, return to Ollantaytambo, in Ollantaytambo the transfer is going to pick up you at the bus to return to Cusco.
Final Bus stop in Cusco is at San Francisco or Regocijo Square near to the Main Square ( Plaza de armas).
Note: You can request to be drop off in your hotel, hostel or homestay. If you need that please send us the  Name and address.

MACHU PICCHU TOUR BY CAR

DAY 1: CUSCO - HYDROELECTRIC - AGUAS CALIENTES
Our Agency will pick you up from your hotel or meeting point from 7:30 am to 8:00 a.m. To then start the Machu Picchu By Car tour, we will go through the Sacred Valley of the Incas, during this tour we appreciate different towns and climatic changes of the Andes to the tropical places, we arrive at Huaman Marca where a Buffet lunch awaits us , then we will continue with the tour of Machu Picchu By car to Hidroelectrica where we will start our walk until we reach the town of Aguas Calientes; the tour lasts 2 1/2 hours approximately.
Arriving at the town of Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu), our guide will install them in their respective hostels with private bathrooms and hot water), in the evening we will have dinner and the indications of our guide about the visit of the Inca citadel of Machu Picchu , it is optional to go to the hot springs.
DAY 2: VISIT OF THE SANCTUARY OF MACHU PICCHU - RETURN TO CUSCO:


This time we will get up at around 4:00 in the morning towards the Inca citadel of Machu Picchu, the walk will last approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes, the main objective is to appreciate the sunrise from the citadel Inca and be the first to arrive, then we will have 2 hours of guided tour, at the end of your tour with the guide you will have free time to visit Machu Picchu on your own. After visiting Machu Picchu at around 11:30 am, we will return walking to Aguas Calientes town and then to Hidroeléctrica where our mobility will be waiting for us to return to the city of Cusco, this Machu Picchu By Car route is arriving to Cusco around 9:30 p.m.

lunes, 27 de abril de 2020

ALTERNATIVE TREK TO MACHU PICCHU - LARES TREK AND INCA JUNGLE

LARES TREK

Lares: where is it located? How high is it?

Where is Lares located?


Lares is located in the Andes Mountains, in southern Peru. This district of Cusco belongs to the province of Calca.
How high is it?
Lares is 3,150 meters above sea level (m.s.n.m.).
What is the weather like in Lares?
The climate in Lares is temperate with cold at night. The average temperature is 11ºC. During the day, the heat can reach 21ºC. At night, temperatures can reach 1ºC.
How to get to Lares?
Lares is separated from the city of Cusco by 149 kilometers of highway. From this point, it is reached through a car trip that goes through the towns of Pisac and Calca in the Sacred Valley of the Incas.
What to see and do in Lares?
Lares has several tourist attractions such as:
Lares thermo-medicinal baths.
Mantto Falls.
The hiking route to Machu Picchu.
Lares is famous for being the starting point of the so-called Lares Trek, a route that leads to Machu Picchu on a 4-day, 3-night road.

More about the Lares Trek

Is it difficult to do the Lares Trek?
The Lares Trek has a medium difficulty. Compared to the Inca Trail or the Salkantay Trek, this route is less arduous. The only difficulty is altitude sickness, due to trails located in high altitude geographies.
When is the best time to do the Lares Trek?
The best time to do the Lares Trek is during the dry season (from April to October). In those months, the sky is clearer and there is less chance of rain. Therefore, the roads are in better condition for hiking.
How to fight altitude sickness on the Lares Trek?
One of the biggest difficulties during the Lares Trek is altitude sickness (also known as 'soroche').
The best way to combat this disease is acclimatizing to the city of Cusco a few days before the trek.
Another option is to drink plenty of water. Coca tea, for example, is a drink based on coca leaf that effectively fights the ailments and symptoms of soroche.
The Incas, as well as the inhabitants of the Andes to this day, chew coca leaves as a remedy for this and other ailments.
Is it possible to do the Lares Trek on your own?
There is no restriction for a visitor to be encouraged to do the Lares Trek on their own. However, unlike other hikes like the Salkantay Trek or the Choquequirao Trek, the trails are not well signposted, making it difficult to stay on course.
To do the Lares Trek on your own you must understand the route to follow. For this, a good map would be effective. Furthermore, the inhabitants that inhabit this region are mainly Quechua speakers.
What to bring to the Lares Trek?
The tour services that lead to the Lares Trek include the basic implements such as tents, food and a pack horse.
In addition, it is recommended to bring the following:
  1. Sleeping bag.
  2. Trekking poles.
  3. Hat or cap.
  4. Sunscreen.
  5. Warm clothes during the nights.
  6. Light clothing during the day.
  7. Poncho for rains.
  8. Bottle with water
  9. Hiking shoes.
  10. Bath clothes (for Lares thermo-medicinal baths).
  11. Snacks
  12. Photographic camera.
  13. Extra money.

Recommendations during the Lares Trek
The Lares Trek is the route that crosses high-altitude landscapes until you reach Machu Picchu. On the route you can see the beautiful landscapes and indigenous peoples with ancestral traditions.
For a perfect trip it is recommended:
Acclimatize to the city of Cusco before doing the trek. Thus, the symptoms of altitude sickness will be avoided.
It is not necessary to be in optimal physical shape to perform the Lares Trek. However, a little pre-workout before the hike would do.
Chewing coca leaf during the tour (as the Incas did hundreds of years ago). Another alternative is to take a pill against soroche before starting the trek.
The Lares Trek is a great opportunity to learn about the way of life of the peoples that inhabit the Andes.
These people offer their products made from alpaca fiber at lower prices than the stores in Lima, Cusco or other countries.

INCA JUNGLE

What is the Inca Jungle at Machu Picchu?
The Inca Jungle tour is a tour that departs from the City of Cusco and ends in Machu Picchu, after 4 days and 3 nights after performing a series of adventure sports such as: cycling, trekking, canoeing and zip line.
The Inca Jungle is one of the most popular tours in Peru.
What is the weather like during the Inca Jungle?
The climate during the Inca Jungle is varied.
The coldest point is in Abra Málaga (average temperature of 9ºC during the day). Then we descend to the tropical climate of the jungle eyebrow.
The warmest point is in the town of Santa Teresa (day temperature up to 26ºC).
What is the flora and fauna like during the Inca Jungle?
The Inca Jungle is characterized by the beautiful landscapes during the tour.
Along the way you can see vizcachas, llamas, spectacled bears, cock of the rocks and a wide variety of orchids.
In addition, plantations of bananas, mangoes, oranges and more are crossed.
Does 4 days seem too long for the Inca Jungle? There is another 3-day service, which accelerates the pace of the walks to reach Machu Picchu earlier. However, the most popular Inca Jungle tour is the one that lasts 4 days.
What sports does the Inca Jungle include?
The Inca Jungle includes the following adventure sports:


  1. Cycling (included).
  2. Hike (included).
  3. Canoeing (not included).
  4. Zipline (not included).
Who can do the Inca Jungle?
The Inca Jungle is available for tourists of all ages.
However, the tour is recommended for tourists in good physical shape.
Older adults should consult their doctor before the tour.
Minors must be accustomed to physical efforts and take the tour in the company of their parents.